KIDS WHO BENEFIT

SPECIAL NEEDS MASSAGE FOR CHILDREN, TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS

We provide extraordinarily beneficial massage therapy to children and young adults who face the multi-faceted challenges that come with a variety of medical conditions and disabilities. Our goal is to help improve movement, decrease anxiety and cultivate a healthy quality of life.

THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE...

WHEELCHAIR RIDERS

Upper body massage can counteract the chronic tightness of the pectoral muscles and the upper back if the child uses manual wheelchair. Massage can increase circulation to the legs. Using passive movement can help a child reconnect the information from the joint proprioceptors to the brain, move fluid through the joints, and prevent contractures by combining passive movement with stretching. Passive movement is also very important to maintain joint motion. Massage may prevent the development of pressure ulcers and enhance the circulation of the general area where a pressure ulcer is developing, indirectly treating the ulcer.

CEREBRAL PALSY

Massage can reduce spasticity, encourage muscle flexibility, increase or reduce muscle tone, encourage motor function and may encourage more positive social interaction. Massage works on the mind body and soul of the child. Relieving anxiety and help those teens battling depression become more balanced. Massage will aid the circulatory system by increasing oxygen and nutrients to the vital organs and tissues. Massage will also assist with relieving a slow moving metabolism, decreasing bloating and inflammation of the gut. Massage will decrease down time from surgeries as well as decrease scaring allowing more flexibility after surgery providing a quicker more efficient rehabilitation.

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI)

DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY

Massage may be used to release tension, stimulate circulation, prevent muscular atrophy and contractures, and maintain joint range of motion.

Massage can increase language, speech and vocalization. Children are relaxed more readily and have improvement with problems such as constipation, hyperactivity, insomnia, and acceptance of touch. May help with oral-tactile sensitivity, improve tongue and jaw movement to enhance feeding and speech, and treat drooling and lip retraction.

HYDROCEPHALUS

Massage can be a significant source of comfort. It offers relaxation and relief from aches and pains and provides much-needed stimulation when the child’s is immobilized or their activities are limited.

RETT SYNDROME

Massage can result in a better functioning stomach, increased awareness of surroundings, improved breathing, improved circulation, relaxation, improvement in sleep, decrease in pain.

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY (MD)

Massage techniques combined with a routine of strengthening exercises and passive stretching, can help prevent or delay the onset of contracture, keep connective tissue supple, and dramatically increase comfort. When massage is introduced into a regular routine, strengthening and stretching can be less tedious and more enjoyable. Because boys with MD experience chronic high levels of stress, massage is especially appropriate for relaxation.

SPINAL CORD INJURY

Massage helps increase muscle strength and range of motion.

SCOLIOSIS

Massage alone cannot heal scoliosis. The child’s physician or physical therapist should be consulted about the cause. After cause is addressed, massage may help with chronic muscular tension and imbalance.

TERMINAL ILLNESS, PALLIATIVE CARE, HOSPICE CARE

Massage may increase release of serotonin and increase in natural killer cells, may decrease anxiety and depression, improve body image, improve feelings of isolation, provide more relaxing sleep periods and may reduce need for pain medications.

JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Massage helps release emotional tension, relieves pain and stiffness and prevents contractures. It has an advantage over muscle relaxants, which relax muscles all over the body and cause drowsiness.

SPINA BIFIDA

Massage may help improve positive body image, provides stimulation and aides in preventing atrophy of paralyzed areas and may help to decrease scar tissue.

CATASTROPHIC ILLNESS

Massage can address the needs of gravely ill children and help with the specific discomforts of each illness. May relieve physical distress, such as pain, nausea and discomfort from immobilization, as well as reduce associated psychological distress such as anxiety, lack of stimulation, insomnia and feelings of isolation.

AUTISM

Massage can help children sleep better and reduce self-stimulatory behaviors. May release muscle tension and create deeper breathing and better emotional adjustment. May improve body awareness, help child to adapt to become more accustomed to tactile stimulation, may promote more on-task and social relatedness behavior.

ADD/ADHD

Massage may help children reduce their tension levels and give them a true sense relaxation. Improved classroom behavior in areas of the Conners Teacher Rating Scales on anxiety. May help improve focus and concentration.

DOWN SYNDROME

Massage increases active voluntary movement and body awareness as well as stimulating muscle contraction to increase muscle tone.

CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Massage provides opportunity for relaxation, reduces cortisol and norepinephrine levels (stress hormones), may increase lung capacity and may improve peak air flow reading

ASTHMA

Massage may reduce symptoms of an acute asthma attack and the frequency and severity of asthma attacks over time as well as lowering their stress level. Reduced hospitalizations, after massage therapy, immediate decrease in anxiety and stress hormone levels, peak air flow and pulmonary functions improved reducing need for inhalers.

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

CANCER

Massage may be used to release tension, stimulate circulation, prevent muscular atrophy and contractures, and maintain joint range of motion.

Massage may release serotonin and increase natural killer cells, decreased anxiety and depression.

HEARING LOSS

Massage may improve communication and language skills and provides stimulation and develops awareness of the entire body.